- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Georgia Babies
BottomStar
member
Quitting the pump...advice, wisdom, etc?
BottomStar
member
My initial goal was to breastfeed for 1 year and we got off to a rockin start. At 4 months, I had to start traveling again for work so I began supplementing with formula. At 6.5 months, I had to go on extended travel status for 5 weeks but was able to take her with me and my mom watched her in the hotel while I worked. It was 12+ hour days, 7 days a week and I had little time to pump, so I had to increase the formula amount. Once we got back home, she had 2 weeks of illness (stomach virus, cold, ear infection) during which time, we experienced a nursing strike. I continued to pump as much as I could, but my supply dipped. The very next week, I had to leave her for 5 nights. I pumped while I was gone, but my supply has tanked. Where I used to get 10-12 oz in 2 pumping sessions while at work, I'm now lucky to get 3 oz (which isn't even enough for one bottle). She nurses in the morning and at night and I'd like to continue that as long as possible, but the pumping just no longer seems worth the effort.
Is it reasonable that I can stop pumping but still maintain a supply to nurse 2x a day?
Should I try once again to reestablish my supply? Last time it dipped, I tried fenugreek and oatmeal with a bit of success so I could do that again or try something new.
I guess my heart's just not in it anymore with the pumping, but I do love the convenience and bonding of nursing. Not to mention the weight loss and cost factor.
Sorry for being so long winded, but I'm in a bit of an internal struggle. Any advice or experience is appreciated.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Quitting the pump...advice, wisdom, etc?
sorry in advance for typos- holding baby
YES you can do this!!! I successfully did it with Gavin until he was 8 mos old. I only nursed him about 3 times a day but my supply just adjusted and held out for those 3 feedings. My pedi told me to think of the nursing sessions as highly nutritious "snacks". my only advice is to continue pumping at least 1-2 times a week or else your body may "forget" how to let down for the pump. I didnt know that could happen but it is what eventually led us to wean when I HAD to travel for work. otherwise I would have continued until 1 year.
You're body will adjust to the less frequent nursing sessions. My supply tanked at around 7 months and I quit pumping but kept up morning and evening nursing for about 3 more weeks.
I'm sure stress had a lot to do with y situation, but I also think I just hit a mental wall so I quit altogether at 8 months. It was a hard decision, but a good run I guess.
First off, you are doing an awesome job with the situation you are dealing with. So please DO give yourself credit for what you have been able to do so far. Just think of this as everything else in parenting. We have a goal or plan, and we have to learn to adjust it to what life's plan is for us. I had a difficult situation for pumping, but yours sounds super super challenging!
As far as your questions...
1. Your supply should be able to handle nursing 2-3 times per day.
2. I know it huge, but I would consider renting a hospital grade pump if you really want to try to help your supply rebound. They are so much more efficient than any on the market - even my beloved PISA.
3. Visit Kellymom.com for suggestions on increasing supply. There is more than just fenugreek and oatmeal. Blessed Thistle WITH fenugreek seems to work better for a lot of moms. Also, the techniques you did while initiating your supply will help. Nurse as frequently as possible when you are together, pump after nursing, etc. Even if baby doesn't want to nurse, if you aren't busy you should try to make sure you are stimulated every 3-4 hours max. If you are somewhere you can't pump and she isn't with you, I would even just recommend going into the bathroom (for a "potty break' and hand expressing into the toilet. Just for the stimulation. Your body needs to know that it's needed.
GL, and you are welcome to email me if you need anything!